Diving Barbados
There is over 20 miles of barrier reef reaching to within 40 to 60 feet of the surface. Wreck diving is available and Barbados has several excellent sites for wreck diving. Carlisle Bay, with 200 reported wrecks and the Stavronikita, located at Folkestone Marine Park, are two of the most popular sites. The reefs around Barbados are some of the healthiest in the Caribbean, hosting a wide variety of creatures including some rare species not common elsewhere, such as the Seahorse, Batfish, Frogfish, and Flying gurnard. The fringes of the reefs blossom with healthy sponges, coral, and plant life. The Hawksbill turtle can also be found on these reefs.
Best time to dive
Barbados is ideal for year-round diving but is probably best in the summer months.
Visibility
Visibility ranges 40 to 70 feet.
Water temperatures
Water temperatures average 80°F.
Weather and climate
There is no shortage of sun in this tropical climate and little seasonal variation means the weather in Barbados is hot year-round. Temperature highs are in the low 80s (high 20s C) for February and high 80s (low 30s C) in July. June to November is the wetter time of year but rain rarely lasts for long and consecutive overcast days are rare. Some altitude changes inland and to the north provide a little escape from the heat, but north-east trade winds throughout keep the weather pleasant and far from stifling.
Language
English
Passport/Visa requirements
U.S. and Canadian residents can enter Barbados Island with either a valid passport or a birth certificate with a raised seal and a photo ID issued by the government. All other travelers, including those from Britain and other Commonwealth countries, must present a valid passport and ongoing ticket to access Barbados Island.
Currency
Barbados Dollar – Get exchange rates at http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Electrical current
110 volts AC, 50 cycles. Hotels usually have adaptors and transformers. It is recommended to use surge protectors with sensitive equipment.
Capital
Bridgetown
General information
Barbados sits east of the chain of islands known as the Windward Islands approximately 100 miles east of St. Vincent. Barbados is 21 miles long and 14 miles wide, with a total area of 166 square miles. Population is 250,000+. Most accommodations are situated on the west and south coasts, which are the most sheltered parts of Barbados with good beaches and easy access to the Caribbean Sea. The north and east coast’s are spectacular with large ocean swells rolling in off the Atlantic. Surfing competitions take place regularly on the east coast.
Barbados is mostly a flat coral island, but there are rolling hills and many deep ridges and gullies, with an interesting distribution of flora and fauna. Within the coral core of the island there is a vast array of caves and underground lakes, which provide an excellent supply of drinking water. Geologically, Barbados is unique, being actually two landmasses that merged together.
Map
Get a map of Barbados from WorldAtlas.com.